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Top 5 Gas Myths Busted

A man refuels his car on March 23, 2010 in Munich, Germany.(Photo Credit: Miguel Villagran/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — With the steep prices for gasoline adding up, drivers are always looking for ways to save a few pennies at the pump. However, some of the things that you think might be saving you money, could just be myths!

AAA spokesperson Bevi Powell has done some gas price myth busting with KDKA in the past. Read below for more on what’s true and what’s false.

Myth #1: Additives Stretch Gas Mileage
Many people think products like gas additives can stretch your mileage, but the reality is they just don’t work.

“There have been tests done. Consumer Reports have done studies, and there’s really no evidence to prove those additives save you or improve your gas mileage,” said Powell.

Myth #2: Air Conditioning Burns Gas
Another popular myth is that running your air conditioning all the time uses more gas, but that’s not true.

“There’s been research done where they’ve taken a car with the air on and one that doesn’t, and they’ve shown there’s no difference with the gas mileage,” Powell said.

Myth #3: Idle Your Car, Don’t Turn It Off
Many believe that you can save gas by idling your car rather than turning the ignition on and off. This used to be true when we had carburetors, but with most cars having fuel injectors, idling actually burns more gas than turning it off.

Myth #4: Octane Makes A Difference In Your Gas Mileage
It turns out, octane does not make a difference in your gas mileage. Unless your owner’s manual says to use premium, regular unleaded is fine.

Myth #5: Gas Is Cheapest Mid-Week
There’s nothing to this myth although prices do tend to spike on the weekends.

Now that several myths have been debunked, it’s time to talk more about what actually works!